dis·tressed \-est\adjective 1.: afflicted with trouble, pain, or grief 2.: purposely marred to give the appearance of great age — used of furniture or leather • dis·tressed·ly\-esə̇dlē, -estlē, -li\adverb • dis·tressed·ness\-esə̇dnə̇s, -es(t)n-\noun-es